GambleAware strikes Crystal Palace partnership

GambleAware has partnered with Premier League football club Crystal Palace to address concerns about gambling-related harm within the sport.

The charity has teamed up with The Eagles to produce advertisements and promotional materials to raise awareness of the risks of gambling.

Responsible gambling messages will appear around the perimeter of the pitch and on screens throughout Selhurst Park, visible to fans both at the game and watching on TV.

The messages will be aimed at players as well as supporters with the campaign set to take place during the final three games of the season.

The initiative is designed to raise awareness of the advice and support that is available at BeGambleAware.org, and to encourage conversations about safe and responsible gambling activity.

Crystal Palace is the first club sponsored by a gambling firm (ManBetX) to take part in the initiative.

GambleAware CEO Marc Etches

GambleAware CEO Marc Etches said: “This is an important first step towards a deeper and broader action plan to address the ever-closer relationship between gambling and football.

“As the first professional football club to make this commitment, Crystal Palace is setting a great example to other clubs, and not only those with gambling sponsors because all benefit from the income that flows from television deals funded by the ever-growing amount of gambling advertising around live sport,” he added.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “As a Premier League club, we recognise our responsibility of helping promote safe and responsible gambling.

“I’m pleased that we are the first club to form a partnership with GambleAware, and I hope we can play a part in raising awareness about their service to help individuals who need support.”

ManBetX director Jon Collins added: “As the official shirt sponsor of Crystal Palace, we have an added degree of responsibility to support those who offer help and free advice to ensure